Press Releases

Cyber Disruption Plan

RIEMA has finalized a State Cyber Disruption Annex to the State Emergency Operations Plan. RIEMA and the RI State Police, Computer Crimes Unit worked jointly with the RI National Guard, and internet service providers, utility companies as well as other state/private stakeholders to develop the Annex. The Cyber Disruption Annex is a comprehensive plan that is one of the first in the nation and serves as a model for other states to follow. Emergency Management Magazine featured a story on May 25, 2011 that included the Cyber Disruption Annex and the Rhode Island Cyber Disruption Team.
Following the National Response Framework, the Rhode Island State Police, Computer Crimes Unit serve as the lead for Cyber issues under Emergency Support Function #2-Communications for the State.
The Annex addresses the State’s response to cyber disruptions caused by natural hazard, widespread virus or cyber attack which affect critical infrastructure, whether public or private, to ensure continuity of service and the safety of Rhode Island citizens.
Massachusetts and New Hampshire are following Rhode Island in the development of Cyber Disruption Annexes. Rhode Island is coordinating with those states to plan for and coordinate regional cyber response efforts.
RIEMA and the RI State Police, Computer Crimes Unit recognized cybersecurity as a priority for the State of Rhode Island and proactively developed the Cyber Disruption Annex and related Cyber Disruption Team. The Cyber Disruption Team is one of the first in the nation and is the first in the Northeast. The Cyber Disruption Team is comprised of members from the Rhode Island State Police, Computer Crimes Unit, and individuals representing higher education, hospitals, finance, utilities and defense.
This cyber initiative is in line with the President’s mandate on cybersecurity.

The Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA) is the state agency responsible for coordinating federal, state, and local resources to protect the public during disasters and emergencies. RIEMA helps develop plans for effective response to all hazards, trains emergency personnel, provides information to families and communities, and assists in recovery from disaster losses. You can learn more about RIEMA by visiting the RIEMA homepage at www.riema.ri.gov